Michigan Technological University (MTU) and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will collaborate on Great Lakes research, with a focus on marine technology, freshwater science and professional development, the two institutions announced. The agreement represents an extension of an already active role MTU has taken in the region. 

At a signing ceremony on Wednesday (Sept. 16), Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek and NMC President Nick Nissley noted their shared mission and complementary strengths in advancing Great Lakes research, as well as their mutual goal in collaborating to develop an internationally-recognized center of excellence in freshwater science and research.

Under a two-year Memorandum of Understanding, MTU and NMC agreed to:

 - Cooperatively develop marine technology and operations plans
 - Partner on freshwater science and research projects, and
 - Collaborate on professional development projects that showcase Michigan Tech science and technology development and NMC workforce development programming

Last year, the two institutions signed seven new articulation agreements that allow engineering students to complete their first two years of study at NMC and then transfer to Michigan Tech with junior status.